Computer Science 3-2 Option Major

Professor of Computer Science McCulloch
Assistant Professor of Data Analytics Dietrich
Professor of Mathematics Jackson
Professors of Mathematics and Computer Science Wiebe
Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Linder

The department offers majors in computer science and in mathematics. In addition, the mathematics major can be designed to include a concentration in statistics. The department also offers the computer science 3-2 option major for those students planning to pursue a combined-degree pre-engineering program (see Combined Bachelor’s/Professional Degrees for general information on pre-engineering programs).

The department provides a full range of courses for students anticipating graduate work in computer science, mathematics, or statistics. There are also courses available for cognate majors where strong mathematical or computer skills are required. Lastly, the department provides service courses in support of many majors on campus, especially those requiring statistics or calculus.

Majors often take advanced courses in other departments directly complementing their studies in mathematics or computer science. Double majors with mathematics or computer science and a related area, such as economics or physics, are often undertaken. Upon graduation, recent majors have found employment in business, management science, statistical research, computing, actuarial science, environmental research, and teaching. In addition, majors have gained admission to graduate or professional programs in computer science, mathematics,

philosophy, physics, economics, business, law, and medicine. Potential majors and others interested should consult with any member of the department in planning their course work.

Students wishing to concentrate in computer science should contact Professor McCulloch. Those wishing to concentrate in mathematics should contact Professor Jackson. Those wishing to concentrate in statistics should contact Professor Linder. Those wishing to concentrate in secondary education should contact the Chair of the department.

Courses for Non-Majors

The department offers a number of courses specifically as a service to non-majors who seek training in mathematical sciences. These include MATH 105 , a course in elementary probability and statistics that includes computer experience, and which prepares students to read the increasingly quantitative journals of the social and life sciences. Exploring Computer Science (CS 103 ) offers a broad, applications-oriented introduction to computing for students having no prior computing experience. Great Ideas in Mathematics (MATH 104 ) provides an introduction to modern mathematical ideas for students who will study no further mathematics. Precalculus (MATH 108 ) is for students who have a moderate mathematical background but not one sufficient to begin calculus immediately. The calculus courses (MATH 110 , MATH 111 , and MATH 210 ) are recommended for students who wish to continue the study of mathematics in college after a strong high school background. They are particularly important for any of the sciences and economics. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (CS 110 ) provides a careful entry into the discipline of computer science and teaches programming in a high-level language.

Major Requirements

In addition, successful completion of a major in an engineering discipline different from computer science (with computer engineering being considered a discipline different from computer science) at the engineering school is also a requirement for the B.A. in computer science 3-2 option.

Note(s):

Because of the organization of the engineering program at the California Institute of Technology, students electing to major in computer science 3-2 option cannot elect to complete their 3-2 program by attending the California Institute of Technology.